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NOW’s core issues are reproductive rights and justice, ending violence against women, economic justice, LGBTQIA rights, racial justice, and Constitutional equality.
Celebrating The Life and Work of Bernice Sandler
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: Bernice Sandler, who passed away January 5 at her home in Washington, D.C., was widely known as the “Godmother of Title IX.” After earning a doctorate at the University of Maryland in 1969, she applied for one of seven teaching positions in her department but was told that
Cyntoia Brown’s Clemency Doesn’t End Her Pursuit Of Justice
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: WASHINGTON – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam’s decision to grant full clemency to Cyntoia Brown was the right thing to do, but it doesn’t erase the injustice she endured. The criminalization of the trauma she suffered as a victim of sex trafficking and abuse is reprehensible and unacceptable. Cyntoia
Repealing Roe Is Only The First Step—“Personhood” Laws Are Next
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: WASHINGTON – An alarming rise in “personhood” laws – including a new focus on beyond-the-pale criminal prosecution of pregnant women- is opening up a dangerous new front in the far-right’s attack on reproductive rights. As an editorial series in the New York Times described: “These criminal statutes are results of
Betsy DeVos Doubles Down On Criminalizing Students Of Color
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt WASHINGTON – Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has revoked the “Rethink Discipline” guidelines, issued during the Obama administration, which reminded schools of their responsibility to address racial discrimination in school discipline. Without these guardrails, schools can continue to funnel minority students into the “school to prison pipeline,” which
NOW’s Support For The Principles Of The Women’s March Is Unwavering, But Clarification On Leadership Is Essential
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: WASHINGTON – The National Organization for Women (NOW) was proud to be a sponsor of the historic Women’s March that took place following Donald Trump’s inauguration, and of the subsequent March last year. NOW has a long history of support for grassroots actions and street protest. NOW
A Year for Women in Review – NOW Names 2018’s Worst Offenders and Top Victories
WASHINGTON — Throughout 2018, women across the country have experienced several highs and lows. NOW and its allies have refused to sit quietly and watch those who attempt to turn back the clock on women’s rights. We have been tested, but we have risen to the challenge and continued to speak truth to power. Though
Trump’s Immigration Policy Is Unconscionable, Immoral—And Now Deadly
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: WASHINGTON – Last week a seven-year-old Guatemalan girl in Border Patrol custody died of dehydration and shock at the U.S. border. 8 hours after being taken into custody, she began suffering seizures and spiked a fever of 105.7 degrees Fahrenheit when she was taken to a hospital, where
Congress Isn’t Finished Strengthening Protections Against Sexual Harassment and Discrimination—But They’ve Made A Good Start
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: WASHINGTON – Congress has finally passed legislation to reform the way sexual harassment cases are handled in the House and Senate. Members will now be held liable for all forms of harassment as well as retaliation against whistleblowers, and they will also be required to reimburse the Treasury
Justice For Cyntoia Brown—We Must End the Criminalization of Trauma
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: WASHINGTON — Justice has failed Cyntoia Brown so many times. At the age of two, Brown was put up for adoption, and when she was 16 she was sold as a sex slave to a 43-year old Nashville man. This perpetrator held a gun on her and hit,
Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta Must Resign For Allowing Serial Child Molester Jeffrey Epstein To Escape Justice
Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt: WASHINGTON — Jeffrey Epstein is a serial child molester who used his wealth, power and influence to escape serious penalties for his crimes. The charges brought against him could have resulted in Epstein spending the rest of his life in prison —but instead, he played “let’s make a